If you've been worried about your data getting more expensive or fuel prices jumping again, the Federal Government says you can relax — for now.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Finance issued a statement directly addressing reports that had been making the rounds: claims that the government was planning new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products. The reports, the government said, were based on a misunderstanding of the International Monetary Fund's latest Article IV Consultation Report on Nigeria.

Efe Ovuakporie, Head of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Finance, put out the clarification. The IMF report, he explained, contains the Fund's own assessment and recommendations — not government policy.

"Those recommendations don't amount to government policy and aren't binding on Nigeria," the statement read. "Decisions on tax matters are taken through established constitutional and legislative processes and are guided by national priorities and prevailing economic realities."

So what exactly did the IMF suggest? The Fund had said Nigeria might need to extend VAT to fuel products and introduce excise duties on telecom services. The idea was to raise more revenue for development and social spending. But the government made it clear: that's not happening right now.

Here's what stays the same:

  • The VAT waiver on petroleum products is still in place. It hasn't been withdrawn.
  • There's a legal provision for a fuel surcharge, but it can only be activated through a ministerial order and publication in the Official Gazette. The government says no such process is under consideration.
  • The telecoms excise duty that existed before 2023? It's been repealed under the new tax laws. Gone. Not coming back.

The government argued that keeping these charges suspended has helped cushion the impact of global energy price swings on households and businesses. "The continued suspension of these charges has helped cushion the effect of global energy price fluctuations on households and businesses while keeping domestic fuel prices relatively stable," the statement noted.

This isn't the first time IMF recommendations have caused jitters in Nigeria. The Fund's Article IV consultations happen every year and often include suggestions that would be politically difficult — like removing fuel subsidies or raising taxes. But the government has repeatedly said it makes its own decisions.

So where does this leave the average Nigerian? For now, no new taxes on airtime, data, or fuel. The government says its focus is on expanding the economy, plugging revenue leakages, and improving efficiency — not piling more burdens on citizens.

"Any future tax measures will be announced through official channels and implemented in line with the law," the statement added.

Read that last sentence carefully. It doesn't say taxes will never come. It says if they do, you'll hear about it through proper channels. For now, the answer is no.